Thanksgiving means family time, but it also means keeping kids entertained for hours.

That’s no easy task when there’s cooking to do and guests to welcome.

There is something better than parking children in front of screens.

Simple activities can turn waiting time into quality time. These activities teach gratitude, creativity, and patience, all while keeping little hands busy.

This blog has activities ranging from crafts to games, which your kids will enjoy while learning something new.

Let’s start planning a meaningful Thanksgiving experience that their kids will remember.

Indoor Thanksgiving Activities for Kids

Keeping children entertained indoors on Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be hard.

These activities blend fun with learning, and most use supplies families already have at home.

1. Thanksgiving Bingo

Create bingo cards featuring Thanksgiving images like turkeys, pies, and corn. Kids mark off squares as parents call out items.

This game works great for groups of different ages. Winners can receive small prizes or an extra dessert.

It keeps children engaged for 20 to 30 minutes and teaches pattern recognition skills.

2. DIY Thankful Tree

Cut branches from the yard and place them in a vase.

Children cut leaf shapes from construction paper and write what they’re grateful for. They hang leaves on branches using string or tape.

This craft creates a beautiful centerpiece while teaching gratitude.

Families can add leaves throughout November, building anticipation for Thanksgiving Day.

3. Turkey Feather Hunt

Hide colorful paper feathers around the house before the kids wake up.

Give each child a small basket or bag for collecting. The person who finds the most feathers wins a prize.

These Thanksgiving activities for kids burn energy and build excitement. Parents can make it educational by numbering feathers and having kids arrange them in order.

4. Thanksgiving Storytime

Gather children for stories about Thanksgiving history and traditions.

Choose age-appropriate books with colorful illustrations. Kids can sit on cushions or blankets for comfort.

After reading, ask questions about the story to encourage discussion.

This quiet activity provides a calm break between more active games and helps children understand the holiday’s meaning.

5. Pumpkin Bowling

Set up plastic bottles or paper cups as bowling pins. Use a small pumpkin as the bowling ball.

Kids take turns rolling the pumpkin to knock down pins. This game works in hallways or large rooms. Keep score on a whiteboard or paper.

It’s simple, requires no special equipment, and provides plenty of laughs.

6. Gratitude Journal Craft

Give each child a small notebook or stapled pages. They decorate covers with markers, stickers, and fall colors.

Inside, kids write or draw things they’re thankful for. Younger children can dictate to adults who write for them.

This activity encourages reflection and creates a keepsake.

Families can continue using journals after Thanksgiving to build a gratitude habit.

7. Thanksgiving Puppet Show

Children create puppets using paper bags, socks, or popsicle sticks.

They draw characters like pilgrims, Native Americans, or turkeys. Kids write a simple script or improvise their show.

They perform for family members before dinner. This thanksgiving activities for kids spark creativity and build confidence.

Parents can record performances to watch later and share with relatives.

8. Corn Kernel Counting Game

Fill bowls with dried corn kernels or beans. Give kids tweezers or small spoons to transfer kernels.

They count as they move pieces from one bowl to another. Set a timer for added challenge.

This game develops fine motor skills and number recognition. Younger children practice counting while older ones can add, subtract, or sort by color.

9. Turkey Hat Craft

Kids make wearable turkey hats using construction paper.

They cut out feather shapes in fall colors: red, orange, yellow, and brown. Feathers attach to a headband or paper strip.

Children wear their creations during dinner.

This craft is simple enough for toddlers with help. It makes for great holiday photos and gives kids something to show off.

10. Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of Thanksgiving-related items for kids to find. Include things like something orange, a wooden spoon, or a fall leaf.

Children search the house, checking off items. Parents can make clues rhyme or include riddles for older kids.

The first to complete the list wins. This activity keeps children moving and thinking.

11. Paper Plate Turkey Craft

Children change plain paper plates into turkeys using simple supplies.

They paint or color the plate brown for the body. Cut feathers from colored paper and glue them to the back.

Add googly eyes, an orange beak, and a red wattle.

This classic craft works for all ages. Kids personalize their turkeys and display them proudly.

12. Leaf Painting Activity

Collect real leaves from outside or use paper cutouts. Kids dip leaves in washable paint and press them onto paper.

They create patterns or scenes using different leaf shapes. This activity teaches about nature and colors.

It’s less messy than finger painting but equally fun. Finished artwork can become placemats or decorations for the Thanksgiving table.

13. Thanksgiving Charades

Write Thanksgiving words on cards: turkey, stuffing, football, and family dinner.

Players act out words without speaking, while others guess. This game needs no materials beyond paper and pen.

It gets kids moving and laughing. Adjust the difficulty based on the ages playing.

Even shy children enjoy watching and guessing along with the group during this activity.

14. Build a Mini Mayflower

Children construct small boats using household items. They can use cardboard, popsicle sticks, or foam trays.

Add a paper sail attached to a toothpick mast. Kids test boats in the sink or bathtub.

Parents can share stories about the Mayflower while children build. It combines history with hands-on fun.

15. Pilgrim Hat Cookies Decorating

Bake or buy sugar cookies before Thanksgiving Day. Kids decorate them to look like pilgrim hats.

Use chocolate cookies as the hat, vanilla wafers as the brim, and frosting as buckles. This edible craft doubles as a snack.

Children practice following directions and fine motor control. Everyone enjoys eating their creations after decorating is complete.

16. Fall-Themed Sensory Bin

Fill a large container with dried corn, rice, or beans. Add small toys like plastic turkeys, leaves, and pumpkins.

Give children cups, spoons, and containers for scooping and pouring. This activity keeps toddlers and preschoolers busy for long periods.

It’s calming and develops sensory skills. Parents can supervise while finishing meal preparations nearby.

17. Gratitude Circle Time

Gather everyone in a circle on the floor or around a table. Each person shares one thing they’re grateful for.

Pass a special object like a small pumpkin or stuffed turkey. Only the person holding the object speaks.

This activity works well before or after dinner. It slows everyone down and creates meaningful connections. Children learn to listen and express thankfulness.

Outdoor Thanksgiving Activities for Kids

Fresh air and physical activity help children burn energy before the big meal.

These outdoor games work in backyards, parks, or any open space where kids can run and play.

18. Thanksgiving Turkey Trot Race

Organize a running race around the yard or neighborhood block. Kids can run, skip, or hop like turkeys.

Set up a start and finish line using cones or chalk. Award ribbons or certificates to all participants.

This activity gets hearts pumping and appetites ready. Families can make it a tradition, timing kids each year to track improvement.

19. Leaf Pile Jumping

Rake fallen leaves into large piles around the yard. Children take turns running and jumping into the soft mounds.

They can bury each other or toss leaves in the air. These Thanksgiving activities provide hours of entertainment.

Kids help with yard work while having fun. Take photos of everyone playing for lasting memories of the day.

20. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of fall items for kids to find outside.

Include acorns, pinecones, red leaves, and smooth stones. Give each child a bag for collecting treasures.

Set boundaries so children stay within sight. The first to find everything wins a small prize.

This hunt teaches observation skills and gets kids learning about nature during Thanksgiving Day.

21. Family Football Game

Set up a casual football game in the backyard or park. Mix adults and kids on teams to keep it fair.

Use simple rules that everyone understands. No tackling, make it touch or flag football instead.

This tradition gets the whole family moving together. It creates funny moments and friendly competition. Everyone works up an appetite for dinner.

22. Nature Walk of Gratitude

Take children on a walk around the neighborhood or nearby trail. As they walk, kids share things they’re thankful for.

Collect interesting items like colorful leaves or unique sticks. Talk about how nature changes in the fall.

This quiet activity offers a break from louder games. It combines exercise with meaningful conversation and reflection about the holiday.

23. Pumpkin Rolling Contest

Each child chooses a pumpkin and decorates it with markers. Create a starting line on a slight hill or flat area.

Kids roll pumpkins toward a finish line or target. The pumpkin that goes farthest or closest to the target wins.

This game works with leftover Halloween pumpkins. It’s unpredictable and hilarious to watch the pumpkins wobble and bounce.

24. Turkey Tag

Play tag with a Thanksgiving twist where one person is the turkey. The turkey runs while others try to tag them.

When tagged, that person becomes the new turkey. Players can gobble while running for added fun.

This classic game needs no equipment or setup. Kids of different ages can play together, and it keeps everyone active and laughing.

25. Cornhole Toss

Set up cornhole boards in the yard or driveway.

Players toss beanbags trying to land them on the board or through the hole. Keep score and play in teams or individually.

This game suits all skill levels and ages. Adults and children can play together.

It’s calm enough for conversation while still being competitive and engaging for everyone.

26. Sack Race Challenge

Give each child a large pillowcase or burlap sack. They step inside and hold the top edge.

Kids hop from the starting line to the finish. Racing in sacks is harder than it looks and causes lots of giggles.

Set up multiple heats so everyone races several times. This old-fashioned game brings generations together through shared laughter.

27. Apple Bobbing

Fill a large tub or bucket with cold water.

Float apples on top and have kids try to grab them using only their mouths. No hands allowed, which makes it challenging and funny.

Provide towels for drying off afterward.

This traditional fall activity works best for older children. It’s messy but memorable, and kids love the silly challenge it presents.

28. Hay Bale Obstacle Course

Arrange hay bales to create an obstacle course in the yard. Kids climb over, crawl under, or run around the bales.

Add other challenges, like cones to weave through. Time each child and let them try to beat their own records.

This activity builds strength and coordination. Hay bales work as seating later for outdoor meals or bonfires, making them multipurpose decorations.

29. Ring Toss with Pumpkins

Place pumpkins of different sizes around the yard at various distances.

Kids toss rings trying to land them around the pumpkin stems. Use embroidery hoops, pool rings, or make rings from rope.

Assign different point values to each pumpkin based on difficulty.

30. Tug of War

Tie a bandana in the middle of a long, sturdy rope.

Draw a line on the ground under the bandana and divide the kids into two teams on opposite ends.

Teams pull the rope trying to bring the bandana past their side. This classic game builds teamwork and strength.

Mix up teams between rounds so everyone gets to win. It’s simple but always exciting.

31. Giant Tic-Tac-Toe with Leaves

Create a large tic-tac-toe grid on the ground using sticks or chalk.

Players use different colored leaves as game pieces, red for one player, yellow for another. Kids take turns placing leaves in squares.

This outdoor version makes a familiar game more interesting.

It works for two players or teams. Children can play multiple rounds while enjoying the fresh air.

32. Capture the Turkey Game

Divide kids into two teams, each with a turkey toy or stuffed animal. Teams hide their turkey on their side of the yard.

Players try to capture the other team’s turkey and bring it back safely. If tagged in enemy territory, players freeze until teammates tag them free.

This strategy game keeps kids running and thinking. It’s like capture the flag with a Thanksgiving theme.

33. Chalk Art of Thankfulness

Give children sidewalk chalk in fall colors. They draw pictures or write words about things they’re grateful for.

Kids can work individually or create a big group mural. This activity combines creativity with reflection about Thanksgiving’s meaning.

The artwork decorates walkways for guests to see.

Rain eventually washes it away, but photos preserve the memories children created together.

34. Wheelbarrow Races

Pair up kids for this silly race. One child holds another’s ankles while that child walks on their hands.

Partners move together from start to finish line. Switch positions so everyone gets a turn being the wheelbarrow.

This game requires teamwork and builds upper-body strength.

It’s challenging but causes lots of laughter. Supervise younger children to prevent falls or injuries.

35. Leaf Garland Collecting

Send kids outside with string, yarn, and tape. They collect the prettiest fall leaves they can find.

Children tape or tie leaves onto a string to make garlands. These decorations can hang on fences, porches, or indoor mantels.

This craft gets kids moving while creating something useful.

It teaches about different leaf shapes and colors. Everyone contributes to decorating for Thanksgiving.

36. Thanksgiving Picnic

Pack a simple lunch or snacks and eat outside. Spread blankets on the ground for seating.

Kids can help carry food and set up the picnic spot. It doesn’t require games or structure, just relaxed family time. Children appreciate eating outdoors, and it reduces the indoor mess before the big dinner later.

37. Outdoor Story Circle

Gather children in a circle outside on blankets or chairs.

One person starts a Thanksgiving story with a sentence or two. The next person continues the story, adding their own ideas.

Go around the circle until everyone has contributed. Stories can be silly, serious, or completely made up.

This activity sparks imagination and listening skills. The outdoor setting makes it feel special and different from regular storytime.

If you have teens at your house and want to ignite their creativity this Thanksgiving, then check out our blog on 21 Thanksgiving Crafts for Teens and Kids for some simple and beautiful craft ideas.

Thanksgiving Movies and Shows to Watch with Kids

After all the outdoor play and indoor crafts, kids need quiet time. Settling in for a Thanksgiving movie gives everyone a break before dinner.

• A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving: This classic story teaches about friendship and gratitude. It’s short, sweet, and perfect for younger children who need something gentle.
• Free Birds: The story shows teamwork and bravery. It’s entertaining for the whole family and puts a funny spin on traditional Thanksgiving tales without being educational.
• Garfield’s Thanksgiving: Garfield faces a diet right before Thanksgiving dinner arrives. This special includes humor kids love and a touching ending. It runs about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a pre-dinner activity.
• An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving: Based on Louisa May Alcott’s story, this film shows a family in the 1800s. It works well for families who want something wholesome and meaningful with positive messages.
• Mayflower Voyagers (Schoolhouse Rock): This animated short teaches Thanksgiving history through catchy songs. The music makes facts memorable and easy to understand.
• Turkey Hollow: The Henson Company created this movie about kids who spend Thanksgiving in a small town. It offers something different from typical Thanksgiving content while maintaining holiday themes.
• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas: While technically a Christmas movie, one segment features a Thanksgiving scene. It’s a good choice when kids want familiar characters in a holiday setting.

Create Lasting Thanksgiving Memories with Kids

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean stressed parents and bored children.

These Thanksgiving activities for kids turn a potentially chaotic day into something everyone enjoys.

Indoor crafts keep little hands busy while meals cook. Outdoor games burn off energy and build appetites.

Try a few activities this year and see what works for your family. Some will become traditional children who ask for every Thanksgiving.

The goal is spending quality time together while celebrating what matters most.